Health Education & Physical Education

The Health Education and Physical Education Specialists at the Maine Department of Education have compiled a collection of resources from national and state partners and Maine educators to share with the field to support teachers, parents and students with continuity of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The great news is that these resources will be valuable and useful for many years to come. Links to a plethora of resources can be found on the following two web pages:

Health Education

The Maine Department of Education is committed to supporting the delivery of effective health education instructional programs. Quality pre-kindergarten through diploma comprehensive school health education (CSHE) provides students with the knowledge and skills to thrive physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. It contributes to a student's ability to successfully practice behaviors that protect and promote health and avoid and reduce health risks.

Through CSHE, students learn basic health concepts and develop the skills required to obtain, adopt, practice and maintain health-enhancing and safe behaviors, including: analyzing the reliability and validity of media, technology and health resources; communicating effectively using refusal and conflict-management skills; being better consumers of information; managing life challenges and stress; setting goals; and making healthy decisions. CSHE assists students in achieving academic success and practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors.

As part of the Maine DOE’s commitment to supporting schools in the delivery of effective prekindergarten through diploma health education instructional programs, this site provides teachers, administrators, nonprofits, higher education faculty, parents and community members with a broad range of resources and tools reflective of Maine’s learning standards. In addition, the Maine DOE Health Education Program staff offer technical assistance and professional development on CSHE curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Physical Education

Quality prekindergarten through diploma physical education provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to support lifetime participation in a variety of physical activities that contribute to an active lifestyle. Physical education provides building blocks for motor skill development and analysis, physical fitness, stress reduction, decision-making and positive social skills. Students learn to assess and set goals, evaluate their own physical fitness and use this knowledge to maintain or improve their current fitness level. Students who participate in physical education on a regular basis learn the benefits of physical activity, including its contribution to academic success and a healthy lifestyle.

The Maine Department of Education Physical Education Program staff offer resources, tools, technical assistance and professional development on physical education curriculum, instruction and assessment, including that of adapted physical education. The program is available to assist educators, parents, students, agencies and organizations.